NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Villagers of Ban Thung Takhian in tambok Khok Krachai in Khon Buri district of this northeastern province were sleepless last night as a herd of about five wild elephants appeared ready to attack, but were scared away by a number of Thap Lan National Park officials and soldiers from the 2nd Army's 3rd Artillery Battalion.

The officials were despatched to the village after being informed by villagers that their farms had been ravaged by elephants for about a week. The pachyderms destroyed their crops and threatened to attack the village.

An outpost was set up in the office of the village chief, where officials were placed on full alert. The villagers too remained awake throughout the night.

At about 9.30pm, elephants were heard approaching the village. The officials kept them at bay by hitting bamboo stems and setting off firecrackers - but whenever they stopped making noises, the elephants returned. Finally - at about 3.30am on Sunday - the elephants retreated and peace prevailed.

The officials said they would remain in the village until the situation returned to normal.